The San Marco district is situated in central Venice. Who hasn't heard of Piazza San Marco, "The drawing room of Europe"? It's the only square in Venice to merit the name Piazza, all the others are called Campi. In the words of Wikipedia "As the central landmark and gathering place for Venice, Piazza San Marco is quite popular with tourists, photographers, and pigeons." Given Venice's relatively small size, you can enjoy San Marco...more
The Cannaregio district is the second largest of Venice's six districts, which are locally known as sestiere. It's in the north of Venice and, unlike some of the other districts, people actually live there. Its attractions include the Venice Ghetto, the Fourteenth Century Ca' d'Oro (or more properly the Palazzo Santa Sofia) which was literally a Golden House, Sacca della Misericordia, the Palazzo Labia, and the Casino di...more
So you are considering May holidays in Abruzzi or elsewhere in central Italy. There are lots and lots of special spring events that simply aren't available in the good old summertime. Here are a few of them. Get rolling; May is almost upon us. We start our virtual tour in Abruzzi on the eastern Adriatic coast and then proceed south to Molise. There are so many things to see and do in central Italy in May that this is the second of three articles.On the first Thursday in May the village of Cocullo, Abruzzi, home to about 300, hosts a Snake Handlers' Procession. A statue of the town's patron St. Dominic, covered with live serpents is carried through the town. Literally thousands of people follow this solemn procession through the village. In addition to the snakes, there is a band, fireworks, breakfast at the foot of the hill, and later on a banquet.The Abruzzi city of Pratola Peligna with a population of about 8 thousand hosts The Festival of the Madonna della Libera in early May. This festival attracts thousands of people, on the weekends. The streets are festively lit and brass bands play all day long. Local food specialties include hot porchetta and warm roasted...more
So you are planning to spend your May holidays in Tuscany or elsewhere in central Italy. Don't worry; there are lots and lots of special spring events that simply aren't available in the good old summertime. Here are a few of them. Get rolling; May is almost upon us. We start our virtual tour in Tuscany on the western Tyrrhenian Sea coast...more
So you are thinking of visiting northern Italy in May, but you're just not sure what to see and to do. Don't you despair; there are lots and lots of special events that simply aren't available in the good old summertime. Here are a few of them. Get rolling; May is almost upon us. We start our virtual tour in Liguria, go north to...more
The Castello district is the largest of Venice's six districts, locally known as sestiere. It's in the east of Venice and, unlike some of the others, people actually live there. This is the least touristy part of Venice, which may be an attraction for many. The area includes many historic churches. For your convenience we have listed these hotels in approximate order of cost, starting with the least expensive. We have personally verified all website addresses making sure that they include English-language pages. The exception is clearly identified.Santa Maria della Pieta is a casa per ferie (vacation house) rather than a hotel. It does occupy the upper floors of two palaces but don't come here expecting luxury. You will enjoy the rooftop terrace. Some of its rooms are great for families, if you reserve early enough you may get one with six beds. There are 15 rooms. The address is Calle della Pieta, Castello 3701. Their website is Italian language only but clicking the translation provides the basics.The Hotel Scandinavia, originally built around the year 1000, was once a luxurious Eighteenth Century residence. According to local tradition this was where Desdemona met...more
Manhattan makes up a number of neighborhoods that all have their own style and contribution to the city as a whole. Most of the areas have a great mix of business and residential life. They all have great places to eat, drink and relax or party....more
Imagine a group of delightful islands in the warm sun. Glorious stretches of beach invite you for a relaxed and sunny encounter while hibiscus and frangipani blossom full of color. Delightful historical towns offer alfresco dining on freshly caught...more
Many people have different expectations from a safari to the African continent - some enjoy relaxing in five star accommodation with spas and the latest treatments, with world class dining and fine wines, whilst others want to totally immerse...more
For planning a wedding ceremony or reception or choosing a honeymoon destination, a chain hotel can be an excellent option. Granted, a chain might not offer quite the same local touch of a small boutique hotel, but the chains do represent brand...more
Earlier, Goa was prominent for its natural exquisiteness and breathtaking beaches intended to offer a rejuvenating experience to the holidaymakers, however, the picture is entirely different today. Five star luxury, endless cuisines, modernized...more
Saving those dollarsMany people think that cruising the open seas on a luxury ship is a vacation we cannot even dream of. However, with some careful planning and searching for incredible cruise bargains a cruise can be affordable. A cruise vacation...more